Page 4 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

Poor Sam.

“Thanks, man. I wouldn’t go there, but...don’t give up. Some women like to play hard to get.”

His cheeks turn red.

Sam seems like a good guy, but I’d make sure he was if Raven showed interest in him. God, I’m already playing big brother to her.

“You think? I mean, Christ, did you see that ass?”

“Okay, let’s not start any sexual harassment cases in the first quarter of trading, please. Plus, you might want to check your contract. No screwing anyone.” Ryder uncrosses his arms and then looks up, grinning. “Ah, here they are.”

“Greetings,” Josh strides in with Aidan in his wake.

We shake hands. Aidan fist bumps me.

“Looks good on you.” He nods to the blazer.

“Thought I’d be wearing beige all my life.” I laugh.

“Oh, come on, the overalls are blue.” Josh laughs, referring to our former SEAL attire.

Raven wanders in with a mug for him and a bottle of water for Aidan.

“Thanks, Raven.”

“You’re welcome, Josh.” She smiles.

“How do you—?” Ryder starts, then shakes his head. “Never mind.”

I chuckle silently.

Sam’s cell rings, and he answers it, disappearing into the back room somewhere. It appears the office is more of a rabbit warren than I thought, despite the large open space you first walk into. I have a feeling that’s by design and for security.

“If you have everything you need, let’s head to the boardroom so we can brief you on your first client.” Josh nudges his chin toward the door. “We’re only here for the day, then flying back to the East Coast.”

I gather up my things. “It’s a shame we won’t be based in the same state, but I’m grateful for this opportunity, Josh. Honestly.”

It might have taken a lot of talking me into it, but after some soul-searching, I knew the opportunity to use my skills in private security was the right next step for me.

Mom might not agree, but this is my life.

I think sometimes me being an active SEAL keeps Dad alive for her. Keeps her connected to the Navy and everyone who adored him. But I can’t make choices in life to please her. Not anymore. I stayed longer than I wanted and can admit that to myself now.

He died twelve years ago.

“I’ll be back at Christmas. We have a conference to attend, so Aidan and I are bringing our wives with us.” Josh pushes through the doors we came in through, and we all follow. “We should organize something to catch up in December.”

“That would be good.”

We walk down to the meeting room and find seats around the boardroom table. I fire up my new tablet.

Aidan answered a call from his wife, and the entire room can hear the screams of his twin babies through the speaker.

“Christ.” He sits, shaking his head after hanging up. “Got more sleep on the jet flying overnight than in my own damn home on a good day.”

Ryder chuckles.

“Are you moving to New York, Ryder?” I ask when a thought strikes me. He and Savannah are based in Los Angeles.